My concern is if the muzzle blast, flash, and noise would be disorienting enough to mess up your aim, which would be bad as it is under the circumstances.

There will be muzzle blast, flash and noise. Of course if you want to carry a .357, those will come into effect with any gun chambered in .357. If you are concerned about the recoil, buy one and practice, practice, practice with it.

The SP makes a good carry gun. A bit heavy but easy to conceal and shoot. The trigger gets better with use.